Josh Bailey

[Nelly]

That's a HUGE thing. Scott Scrotum made it imperative in his system to get and release the puck quickly in Overspeed and several players were just nullified.

Watch Bailey now and he hangs onto it til he can make a play. Okposo, for as bad as he's been, has been STERLING in puck possession, meaning the Franzy line keeps possession for long stretches, minimizing the opponent's offense and keeping play in the o-zone.

And I think that lends greatly to the comfort both have with the puck, making them both more confident as they both, THROUGH HARD WORK, have more options and more time to do smart things on ice.

If Kyle or Josh get to running the net for a play comfortably, they will evolve even further.

But what a Jeckyl and Hyde season. And yes, I blame Scott Scrotum's coaching for hampering them both greatly for the reason you posted above.

The second reason I see on three lines....weak passes all year hurt us. Blind ones. Too fancy. I see less and less each passing game, though.

I don't blame OverSpeed for those quick ups as it was only Bailey that would do it. I do credit Cappy/Thompson/Weight for getting it out of his game.

Truthfully, I think Thompson plays the perfect "bad cop" to Cappy/Weight's "good cop" and is a big reason for the Isles disciplined success.

 

[StumpNYI]

Haha, I was thinking of editing it out for you. DRex's request was a good one, there was a lot of good posts that deserved to be moved/copied over from the GDT to this one. Your post was chronologically the first so you get the #1 post and thread ownership! It's not elegant what I did (which kind of annoys me), but it is what it is.

Thanks for starting this thread Stump. I'll take the assist.

I never start threads so ill take it.

But back on Bailey. I remember Scott Gordon saying all the time he needs to figure out how to get Bailey to shoot more. I think he was right. Unfortunately, he was not not used as a top 6 forward on a good team to pick up that habit. But his shots per game is up this year and he is producing. Bailey has always been great on defense but you can see his offense potential every time he handles the puck. He is second to only Tavares on this team in terms of pure skill IMO.

 

[YearlyLottery]

Never realized how good of a shot he really had. KO fights for the puck, Bailey shoots, and Frans plays a solid game.

 

[Seph]

It's great seeing him play this well, and contributing well in all three zones. He's been one of our three best forwards this year.

This summer, if I were GM, I would strongly consider shopping Moulson for a top pairing Dman, and then moving Bailey to Moulson's spot on the first line.

good post OTH, and yes, what a Jackyl and Hyde season!!!

I'm not sure I blame Scott Gordon but drilling systems and methodical processes (like Guy Boucher in Tampa) isn't the best thing for the development of young players, especially offensive players that are expected to generate offense.

I think Bailey just needed time.

We get all excited about the next draft (less so this year, I hope) but the reality is, MOST players, even 1st rounders, needs 3-4 years at least to figure out what kind of player they are/can be. Bailey's no different. Sam Gagner's in the same boat in EDM.

Did someone say Jackyl?

 

[crashthenet]

It's great seeing him play this well, and contributing well in all three zones. He's been one of our three best forwards this year.

This summer, if I were GM, I would strongly consider shopping Moulson for a top pairing Dman, and then moving Bailey to Moulson's spot on the first line.


Did someone say Jackyl?

Couldn't agree more. As for Bailey, see avatar. Interesting draft to look back on.

 

[IslesFanatic]

Cant believe what I have been seeing from Bailey and KO. Very surprised.

 

[LeapOnOver]

I haven't been pro Bailey for awhile, even though I supported him being drafted because Snow praised his character.

With that said of course I can't friggin be disappointed in the way he is playing right now, but this just makes it more frustrating to like him because you don't know when he is going to disappear. I mean, the people who haven't cared for him have done so because of the sheer fact that we knew Bailey could play this way, it's just for the majority of his career he's chosen not too. If this is truly his awakening and not his perennial, "im giving a **** right now" that will be great!!!

 

[JKP]

In every Bailey thread for the last few years I have basically said he's still a kid and that expectations (and thus frustrations) were out of whack for his age. Patience is paying off. MM never had it, GMG does.

I hope Bailey continues to improve because I've always been a fan.

 

[kasper11]

I haven't been pro Bailey for awhile, even though I supported him being drafted because Snow praised his character.

With that said of course I can't friggin be disappointed in the way he is playing right now, but this just makes it more frustrating to like him because you don't know when he is going to disappear. I mean, the people who haven't cared for him have done so because of the sheer fact that we knew Bailey could play this way, it's just for the majority of his career he's chosen not too. If this is truly his awakening and not his perennial, "im giving a **** right now" that will be great!!!

I have never questioned Bailey's desire. To me, he has always played hard but too often without confidence. When things are going bad he looks lost and refuses to shoot.

 

[A Pointed Stick]

I have never questioned Bailey's desire. To me, he has always played hard but too often without confidence. When things are going bad he looks lost and refuses to shoot.

Confidence and physical investment in each game. His pickup I'm games has come hand in hand with a more complete effort using his body.

 

[CupHolders]

To me, Bailey has the "thinking-man's curse." An intelligent hockey player who over analyzes positioning and responsibilities. This was especially evident when he was at center.

Playing wing allows him to be less burdened with center position's duties. Playing with a quick short passing cycling line with Okposo and Nielsen further removes the time to over-think. Finally, experience leads to confidence.

It's more instinctual for him now. It's allowing his skill to get ahead if his head.

 

[SLAPSHOT723]

I haven't been pro Bailey for awhile, even though I supported him being drafted because Snow praised his character.

With that said of course I can't friggin be disappointed in the way he is playing right now, but this just makes it more frustrating to like him because you don't know when he is going to disappear. I mean, the people who haven't cared for him have done so because of the sheer fact that we knew Bailey could play this way, it's just for the majority of his career he's chosen not too. If this is truly his awakening and not his perennial, "im giving a **** right now" that will be great!!!

I feel the same way. I'm probably Bailey's biggest hater but damn he's been good lately.

 

[bluechipbonzo]

Me?

I'd rather have Schenn or Filatov.

 

[petrocelli]

The way Bailey and Okposo are playing now, put them on the top line with Tavares.. Tavares needs help and Moulson standing in front of the net waiting for the puck isn't cutting it... if Tavares keeps getting pushed around, Matt Martin will have to take one of the spots....

Now:

Bailey Tavares Okposo

If Tavares keeps getting pushed around:

Martin Tavares Bailey

 

[MattMartin]

WTH does aenic stand for???????????????

 

[Benedict Kovalchuk]

WTH does aenic stand for???????????????

I think it's supposed to be AINEC which stands for 'And It's Not Even Close'

 

[Renbarg]

WTH does aenic stand for???????????????

ainec?

And its not even close

 

[LedHammer]

Josh Baileys Development

So I was just wondering what people think about this now. Lots of people said that because the Islanders rushed Bailey that they stunted his growth and/or ruined him. While he has obviously had his struggles at the pro level, I wonder how much differnet of a player he would be now if he had a some what normal development pace.

Bailey was drafted in 2008. So, if he were to say have played two more years in jounior following his draft year and then a full season in the AHL that would have taken care of the first three years his was in the orginization, from 2008-2011. Last year would have been his rookie season.

If last season was his rookie year, and he put up the same numbers of 13-19-32, that would have put him 9th in rookie scoring. This season would have been his second as a pro, and if he was playing the way he is now, but instead of three rocky pro seasons he had three really good jounior/AHL years, people would most likely be talking about how the sky is the limit for this kid.

So, here's my question to people. Has Bailey really had his growth stunted? He's only 23 and it seems like he's turning a corner. Like I said above, if this was his second season people would probably be even higher on him because they hadn't watched him go through such tough times in front of their eyes and conversely would have just read stats and seen clips of stellar play. So is Bailey where he should be at the age of 23? Would he be even better if he had spent three years developing on his way to the pros? Or has facing adversity and having to deal with it at the pro level possibily helped Josh be ahead of where he would be at this point in time mentally if he had spent three years in jouniors/AHL and not ran into many rough times?

 

[Metnut]

I don't think "rushing" Bailey really hurt his development since he was able to get so much ice time. The fact that he's only 23 and has already has significant NHL experience will likely do him good.

Going forward though, if the Islanders are going to be a competitive team, we won't have the luxury to give 18 year old kids who clearly aren't ready for the NHL lots of ice time. We'll need to develop our kids in AHL/juniors. Hopefully we have good coaches in Bridgeport.

 

[duster19]

I lost faith in Bailey and Okposo a long time ago. To see them play the way they are playing now, is quite shocking, but I'm extremely happy about it. Bailey will never be an offensive dynamo like he was in junior, but hopefully he can become a 20 goal 30 assist 50 point kinda player.

Me to. I never liked the pick and have been hard on him. Hes been playing fantastic for them. Big reason they turned a corner. Hope he keeps it going!

 

[BillD]

When Josh realizes he has a hell of a good NHL shot he will not hesitate anymore.
That will reinvent him as a finisher who can also set up his linemates.
He is also processing the game better now, simplifying it, which allows his skills to shine.

 

[lacunacoil777]

I'll take the oposite approach. WHile Both Okiposo and Baily are NHL players, the Islanders have cost themselves a lot of wins the last three years by having them on this team instead of a tough physical player. Another Mat Martin, or if Haley had been given that ice time.

 

[Islander102]

I'll take the oposite approach. WHile Both Okiposo and Baily are NHL players, the Islanders have cost themselves a lot of wins the last three years by having them on this team instead of a tough physical player. Another Mat Martin, or if Haley had been given that ice time.

To be clear, you're an advocate of having Michael Haley on an NHL second line in place of Josh Bailey or Kyle Okposo, yes?

 

[lacunacoil777]

Yes! What will we do with the loss of 10 goals a season! Considering Baily scores about 14 goals a year with great ice time, I saw enough of Hailey, and the NHL is filled with Asham types who are not difficult to trade for, mean, tough players who score 8 goals a year. Look at Mat Martin. Better player to have on your team that Bailey? I certainly think so. Especially watching the Islanders get physically Bullied for the last 6 years.

 

[PK Cronin]

So I was just wondering what people think about this now. Lots of people said that because the Islanders rushed Bailey that they stunted his growth and/or ruined him. While he has obviously had his struggles at the pro level, I wonder how much differnet of a player he would be now if he had a some what normal development pace.

Bailey was drafted in 2008. So, if he were to say have played two more years in jounior following his draft year and then a full season in the AHL that would have taken care of the first three years his was in the orginization, from 2008-2011. Last year would have been his rookie season.

If last season was his rookie year, and he put up the same numbers of 13-19-32, that would have put him 9th in rookie scoring. This season would have been his second as a pro, and if he was playing the way he is now, but instead of three rocky pro seasons he had three really good jounior/AHL years, people would most likely be talking about how the sky is the limit for this kid.

So, here's my question to people. Has Bailey really had his growth stunted? He's only 23 and it seems like he's turning a corner. Like I said above, if this was his second season people would probably be even higher on him because they hadn't watched him go through such tough times in front of their eyes and conversely would have just read stats and seen clips of stellar play. So is Bailey where he should be at the age of 23? Would he be even better if he had spent three years developing on his way to the pros? Or has facing adversity and having to deal with it at the pro level possibily helped Josh be ahead of where he would be at this point in time mentally if he had spent three years in jouniors/AHL and not ran into many rough times?

I think that the rush hurt his development overall. He's had confidence issues that he likely wouldn't have had in the AHL and it would've been a much smoother transition for him. It's always good to be feeling good about your game.

Though, if he truly has turned the corner it might be a good thing for him since he'll be able to remember when he was at his lowest of lows when he slumps and should be able to get out of it quicker. We'll see, time will tell. I think he's a fantastic player and I hope to see him here for a long time. Even if he ends up being on the 3rd line, a team with Bailey on its 3rd line is fine with me.

Yes! What will we do with the loss of 10 goals a season! Considering Baily scores about 14 goals a year with great ice time, I saw enough of Hailey, and the NHL is filled with Asham types who are not difficult to trade for, mean, tough players who score 8 goals a year. Look at Mat Martin. Better player to have on your team that Bailey? I certainly think so. Especially watching the Islanders get physically Bullied for the last 6 years.

Matt Martin isn't 'better' to have on your team. He plays a specific role, just like Bailey does. Martin doesn't light up the score sheet, just like Bailey didn't earlier on, but he also isn't learning how to. Bailey's development is centered around producing points and playing well defensively. Matt Martin's isn't.

Bailey also started out as a center, which is a lot more difficult than being a physical 4th line winger.